cumming of age

Last weekend I got to experience something that I had never done before. With connections to a successful Indiana rock band, I always enjoy hearing the wonderful Uncle JuJu. When they were recently told I was a musician too they invited me to join them on stage next time I was available. Normally I am not one to take the spotlight, especially when it is something that I don't typically do, but I jumped at this opportunity. It is important for us as musicians and humans to get out of her comfort zone and try new things. I knew I wanted to play The Rolling Stones tune "You Can't Always Get What You Want." It has a great horn solo at the beginning and I know my family thinks of me whenever they hear the song. When I listen to it, it reminds me of those I love. I am living far away from them so that I can achieve my dreams, and it reminds me how I want that success for both them and I. I was truly playing for them. Getting up there was a lot of fun, but not having the choir intro and performing a slightly different version than you hear on the record, it was a little disconcerting for the first moments. I sagely remembered that I knew how to play my instrument and I would be just fine! At that moment it all settled and I had a great time! When I was done the intro they asked me to stay on stage. While I was singing a little bit at first, I decided to improvise a French horn part to go with the music. It is not normal for me to improvise on the horn, nor in front of a live audience, and I am so glad that I took the opportunity to take this opportunity. What a blast it is to be part of such a different group and try something new while out with friends. The moment I got off that stage, I wanted to get to get back up there and try new things to add to the music, already feeling even more comfortable in such a different medium. I encourage all of you to find your friends and collaborate with them in experiences you may not regularly do!